By Lisa Ramsden
A NEWCASTLE charity, which has been targeted by the same burglar five times this month, is out of pocket and facing a hefty bill. Officials, volunteers, and supporters at Ark Community Gardens have been left “in shock” and “deeply hurt” by his actions, the most recent of which occurred at the weekend.
The incidents have been captured on CCTV, and the footage is now with police. So far, the culprit has targeted the Carrigs Road site at 11.50pm on Saturday 1 November, then returned a few hours later, at 3.20am and that night at around 11pm on 2 November. Then, just after midnight the following Saturday, he was caught on camera prowling through the grounds, without entry gained.
His next appearance at the site, which includes its farm shop and café, was confirmed courtesy of the newly installed security camera system — purchased because of his earlier break-ins — and occurred at around 5.30am on Sunday. On at least one of these occasions, the most recent, he came armed with a metal bar, which he used to smash his way through glass doors. On one occasion, an attempt was also made to gain access to the office. On other occasions, he has kicked his way through doors — all of which were subsequently reinforced.
Ark’s director, Joanna McCall, said the impact on the organisation is far-reaching. She said not only was the theft of takings and tips “plain wrong,” but it has left people who volunteer there, including adults with complex needs, feeling hurt.
“They have taken it very personally, some of them see it as an attack on not just a place they help out at, but the place which is so very special and important to them,” she explained.
The various incidents are being investigated by the PSNI.
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